Repetitive Strain Injury

This page contains information on Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), ergonomic advice, and local resources for the Brown Community. The advice here should not be used in lieu of contacting a professional.

Resources are available for Brown CS grads concerned about RSI, through the "ergo merc": we have a pool of keyboards and mice that you can use to evaluate before buying; a room set aside for dictation with Dragon NaturallySpeaking; and lots of practical advice on RSI prevention, treatment, insurance difficulties, etc. Please email the ergo merc if you have any questions or need assistance.

Quick healthy working tips

Modifying your behavior to practice healthy work habits (along with
regular work breaks, described here)
will vastly help you prevent and recover from typing injury. Take the
time to look down at your hands occasionally to make sure your
forearms are in neutral, prone positions (straight lines, as depicted
below) and not twisted or bent. It can take weeks or months to
re-train yourself, but this process is essential to preventing pain
and injury.